Church of Jerusalem to celebrate John Paul II's beatification

In a letter addressed to the priests, religious and faithful, the Ordinaries underline the significance of Pope John Paul II for the Holy Land and her inhabitants:

- We who knew him, Pilgrim in the Holy Land, a man of faith, of dialogue and peace, a courageous witness and suffering man,
- We who have heard his word of faith and hope, sure and reassuring,
- We who talked to him of our joys, our sufferings and hopes for our dioceses and our people,
- We who have walked with him slowly and steadily, from one sanctuary to another, from the Memorial of the Shoah to a refugee camp, visits to political and religious leaders, listening to the cries of the poor, victims of injustices, prisoners of security, slaves to the spiral of violence.

Therefore the Ordinaries continue:

We cannot allow ourselves to let this event, so important for us, pass us by without living it and remembering future Blessed John Paul II. Surely you will not be in Rome to participate in this joyful feast with thousands of people but we, your pastors, united with the Papal Representatives invite you to participate in the planned celebrations and commemorations in the attached program, approved by the Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries."

20.30, April 29, 2011
Organ concert at Notre Dame Center’s Church – Jerusalem
20.00-21.00, April 30, 2011
Eucharistic Vigil at the Armenian Catholic Church – Jerusalem
18.30-19.30, April 30, 2011
Eucharistic Vigil at Milk Grotto’s Church – Bethlehem
20.30, April 30, 2011
Marian celebration: Totus Tuus - Basilica of the Annunciation – Nazareth
20.00-23.00, April 30, 2011
Prayer vigil for young people - Regina Pacis Center, Marj Al Hamam, Amman

Thanksgiving’s celebrations for the beatification of John Paul II

On May 1, 2011, we invite the Parish Priests and Priests to inform the faithful about the event celebrated in Rome. As the second Sunday of Easter is celebrated as St Thomas Sunday we propose the following subject: The faith of Thomas and the faith of John Paul II for homily, meditation or catechesis.

Beatification rite will be broadcast live at 10.30 at Notre Dame Center, Jerusalem, in the John Paul II Auditorium.

In Bethlehem, at the John Paul II Foundation Center, Bethlehem:
9.30, Holy Mass celebrated by H.E. the Apostolic Delegate, Msgr Antonio Franco.
10.30, Art Exposition on John Paul II
11.00, Direct broadcast of the celebration from St Peter’s Square in Rome in the presence of Prime Minister, Dr Salam Fayyad.

During month of May, A Round Table with Christians, Jews and Muslims on John Paul II , a man of peace and dialogue